Oroville library closes Tuesday for renovations

Oroville >> Anyone who wants or needs to use the library should do so now — it closes on Tuesday for renovations.

The Oroville branch of the Butte County Library will be closed for 60 days to remove old carpet, mitigate asbestos in the carpet glue and replace the bookshelves, which don't meet current earthquake standards.

County and library officials said there is no health risk from the asbestos at the present.

"Asbestos is not a risk unless it's airborne," said General Services Director Grant Hunsicker in a phone call Thursday.

The building was originally a grocery store. Hunsicker was unsure of when it was built. The county obtained it for renovation for the library in 1973 and construction was completed in 1974.

Before the county does any facility work, an asbestos analysis is done.

Five years ago, staff wanted to replace most of the carpet. A third of it was already removed, including asbestos in that area, he said.

When the carpet and furnishings are removed during the upcoming project, the asbestos will be mitigated. Hunsicker said a certified abatement firm will prepare the facility first and another firm will certify it's OK before any other work continues.

He added there could be asbestos in other parts of the building, such as the ceiling tiles, but unless work is done in that area, staff wouldn't know.

"If we see materials separating or tiles falling, we would inspect it (then)," he said.

Approximately 4,000 feet of shelving will also be replaced.

Hunsicker explained that state codes say when shelving is removed, it can't be put back. New shelves will replace the old ones.

"We're basically bringing it up to safety and security codes," he said.

The project will cost approximately $340,000, which will be funded through the county's maintenance budget.

At the library Wednesday, Branch Librarian Sarah Vantrease appeared to be excited about the renovations. Once the work is done, there will be a "quieter" quiet area for studying and an expanded children's storytime area.

"All the fun stuff will be in front," she said. "The study space will be more in the back of the library

Patrons will be accommodated when staff is able to open a mini library in the community room. Vantrease said they hope to reopen the smaller room on a limited basis on April 15.

"As soon as it's safe to be back in the library, we'll have limited services," Vantrease said. "We'll have most of the usual services: Wi-Fi, storytime, movies, magazines and books on CDs."

Although most of the books will be stored, some new and popular books will be available during the renovation. If not, there are options.

"If people want a certain book, they can request it and we'll get it from another branch," she said.

There will also be free Wi-Fi and limited use of the Internet, computing and printing.

New library cards will also be made, and help will be provided for reference questions and with e-readers and e-media downloads.

The library will also be open online 24 hours a day. Visit www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary to download free electronic media, downloads, homework help, job assistance and other services.

The mini library will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. It will be closed on Mondays.